Chapter 4

John’s eyes widened as he sat up straight ignoring the immense pain that shot through his spine.

“No! You aren’t going! If you go, you’ll get hurt! And I don’t want to see you get hurt!” I huffed angrily.

“How do you think I feel right now? When I got that call from the hospital receptionist telling me you were admitted here, I didn't know what to do. My brain stopped working. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I feel useless as I sit here and watch as you try to hide your pain from me. Do you think I don't see the small movements you make to try and ease the pain?! It hurts me to see you so beat up. I can’t stand seeing you like this!” The glare in John’s eyes softened.

“Which is why I don’t want you to go. I know I’m being selfish by asking you not to go and just act as if nothing happened. I can only imagine how you feel right now. I honestly don’t want to be in your position right now. If I had to endure this again just so you wouldn’t have to, then I would. So, please don’t go.”

I stared at John as he silently begged him with his eyes. I took a deep breath, biting my lip.

“Fine, I won’t go” John breathed out a sigh of relief.

“Thank you.”

—------

Yesterday after John and I ate our food I called John’s boss asking for emergency leave, which was granted. When it got late I left the hospital, promising I would visit today. Yesterday had been eventful.

I was mentally and physically drained. I still couldn’t let this go though. Something had to be done. I told John I wouldn’t go. That was just a lie. I just wanted to put his mind at ease. I didn’t want to worry him.

After work, I headed straight over to the nightclub. Luckily, I didn't throw away the address that John gave me just in case I wanted to stop by. If I asked him, he would know what I’m up to. So, I wanted to keep my whereabouts secret. I was currently pulling up to the place. The place didn’t seem to be as packed. That was questionable.

I slowly removed myself from my car’s driver seat. I reminded myself that I’m doing this for John and John only. I walked into the place. I also found it weird that there was no one to check identity and age. Things are called weird for a reason I guess.

Many eyes immediately landed on me as I walked through the doors. John was right when he said they give you weird looks. Something seemed off though. They didn’t seem dangerous. Everyone seemed to be on edge. Like they were trying to be cautious and tread lightly. I was trying to stay alert as well. I didn't fully know what to expect. I only had John’s story to base everything on.

Just like John said, everything seemed normal when you first entered, but as I went in further, the aura seemed different, which made it seem like the setting had changed. But I was still in the same place. There were people scattered everywhere. I walked around spotting the bar that John mentioned.

I couldn’t believe who I saw sitting on the bar stool. I gagged in disgust. Why was my boss here? Is he drinking blood?! John did say they had blood beverages.

I stared in disbelief. Is he a vampire? Have I been working for a vampire this whole time?

I then realized that I had been staring for a while.

Just as I snapped out of it, my boss turned his head in my direction. I quickly ducked away, hoping he didn’t see me.

I walked out of the building, with jumbled thoughts. Does this make things worse? I work for the man, for Christ's sake. How will I face him now?

Jeez, why did things have to turn out like this?

—-----

I woke up dreading today. I didn’t want to work today. I knew things wouldn’t turn out the way I wanted them. I can be a pretty awkward person at times, especially at times like this. I just wanted to run away and hide, but that wasn’t possible. I’m a grown-up. I can’t run away like a little kid. I calmed myself, accepting the reality that I was going to work.

I walked through the employee doors to clock in.

“Good Morning, Mr. Alber. How are you this morning?”

I stiffened as my breath caught in my breath. His deep soothing voice rang through my head. Why is it that the day I want to avoid him, he pops out of nowhere? I don’t want to see him right now. I slowly turned around, facing him. I couldn’t look him in the eyes.

“G-good!Great!Awesome!Fantastic!” He looked stunned by my outburst.

“Are you feeling ok Mr. Alber? You seem to be acting differently.” I nodded my head vigorously, looking down at the ground.

“Yep! Yep! Totally fine.” He nodded. “Alright. Well, get to work then.” I glanced at him as he gave me a questioning look. I quickly looked away as he quietly left the kitchen. Sharon raised an eyebrow.

“What’s your problem? You’re NEVER ok in the morning. Why today all of a sudden?” I shrugged my shoulders.

“I just…had a burst of energy today. That’s all.” She side-eyed me. “Yeah, sure.” I chuckled nervously.

“I guess I’ll get to work then.”

Today was one of those busy days. And for some reason, my body wasn’t comprehending what my mind was saying. My mind was moving faster than my body causing me to make mistakes. Very simple mistakes. I was mixing orders up. You would think by now I would know how to do that.

I was making my way to the kitchen again, double-checking the pad I wrote orders on. As I walked through the kitchen, my face came full force into a sturdy wall. I looked up, gasping, realizing who I bumped into. I ended up falling back over my own feet. I waited to feel the cold impact of the hard floor, but it never came. I was quickly wrapped up in the strong arms of my boss.

“A-alexander?!” I yelped out in surprise. He gave me a strong stare.

“Mr. Alber, let’s talk in my office.”